Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography

Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament

July 13th-19th, 2026

Lake Michigan fishing yields some great salmon, and now’s your chance to grab some big money along with those fish! The Ludington Offshore Classic sponsored by Captain Chuck’s takes place each July. This tournament is open to any boat 18′ or longer equipped with a marine radio. Registrations must be completed online. Shotgun starts are at 6am and by 2pm, all boats must be inside the pier heads (except for Youth Tournament, where boats must be in by noon). Weigh-ins occur in a drive-through fashion in the parking lot at 3pm at Waterfront Park. There will be no food, drink, or merchandise available on site.

Here's the most updated event schedule:

Monday, July 13th, 2026

  • 6pm – Big Boys Captains Meeting

Tuesday, July 14th, 2026

Big Boy's Tournament, Day 1

  • 6am – Shot-gun Start
  • 2pm – Boats must be inside the Ludington pier heads
  • 10am-3pm– Weigh-in at Baker Ford- 3045 US-10, Ludington

Awards immediately follow weigh-in on Wednesday.

Wednesday, July 15th, 2026

Big Boy's Tournament, Day 2

  • 6am– Shot-gun Start
  • 2pm – Boats must be inside the Ludington pier heads
  • 10am-3pm – Weigh-in at Waterfront Park Pavilion- 391 S. William St., Ludington
  • Immediately following weigh-in – Awards

Thursday, July 16th, 2026

Ludington Legends Tournament

  • 6am– Shot-gun Start
  • 2pm – Boats must be inside the Ludington pier heads
  • 10am-3pm – Weigh-in at Waterfront Park Parking Lot- 391 S. William St., Ludington
  • Immediately following weight-in – Awards
  • 4-6pm – On-site registration for Friday events
  • 6pm – Youth Classic & Ladies Pro/Am Captains Meetings (mandatory and must be attended by the captain or an individual representing the participating boat)

Friday, July 17th, 2026

Ladies Pro/Am & Youth Classic Tournament

  • 6am – Youth/Ladies Shot-gun Start
  • 10am-2pm – Youth/Ladies Walk-Up Weigh-in at Waterfront Park Parking Lot
  • 2pm – All Boats must be inside the Ludington pier heads
  • 4-6pm – On-site registration for Friday events
  • Ladies & Youth Awards to Follow
  • 6pm – Ludington Offshore Classic Pro/Am Captains Meeting (mandatory and must be attended by the captain or an individual representing the participating boat)

Saturday, July 18th, 2026

Ludington Offshore Classic/Big Fish: Day 1

  • 6am – Shot-gun Start
  • 2pm – Boats must be inside the Ludington pier heads
  • 10am-3pm– Walk-up Weigh-in at Waterfront Park Pavilion

Awards immediately follow weigh-in on Sunday.

Sunday, July 19th, 2026

Ludington Offshore Classic/Big Fish: Day 2

  • 6am – Shot-gun Start
  • 2pm – Boats must be inside the Ludington pier heads
  • 10am-3pm– Weigh-in at Waterfront Park Parking Lot
  • Immediately following weight-in – Awards

Some have called the Ludington tournament one of most organized and best run tournaments in four states, and it is the largest freshwater salmon tournament in the United States.

Payouts are based upon number of entries. Anticipated winnings for the top three places are:

Ludington Offshore Classic Big Boys

  • $10,000 1st Place Pro

Ruboy Thursday Shoot-Out

  • $3,000 1st Place
  • $1,500 2nd Place
  • $700 3rd Place
  • $500 Big Fish Prize

Dreamweaver Lures Youth Classic (17 years and younger)

  • $3,000 1st Place
  • $2,000 2nd Place
  • $1,000 3rd Place

Bud Light Ladies Pro/Am

  • $1,000 1st place each division
  • $500 1st place each division, Big Fish

Off-Shore Classic Pro/Am

  • $10,000 1st Place Pro (based on 30 boats). 100% payout guaranteed.

Captain Chuck’s Big Fish Tournament

  • $2,000 1st Place
  • $1,500 2nd Place
  • $1,000 3rd Place

For more information on the Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament, please contact the event organizer:

Ludington/Scottville Chamber of Commerce

5300 W. US-10, Ludington, MI  49431

(231) 845-0324

ludingtonoffshoreclassic.com

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